Map of the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

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Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

The Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is a 6,096-acre natural area located to the southwest of Antioch. This area was the location of coal mining in the 1860s and also has remnants of historic cattle ranches. The area was also the location of sand mining for glassware and ceramics.

Conditions

The preserve is situated in the rugged hills and offers miles of soft-surfaced trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Some trails in the preserve are designated for hiking only.

Points of Interest

Along with the miles of hiking trails, the preserve has historical points of interest. There is the Rose Hill Cemetery that is the final resting place of the former residents and workers. The Sidney Flat Visitor Center is located in a historic building once associated with the coal mining that took place in this area. The visitor center has photographs from the past and historical artifacts on display. The Greathouse Visitor Center is located in an underground chamber that was the result of excavations in the 1920s. There are artifacts and old photographs related to the coal mining history. The Hazel-Atlas Mine was the location of sand mining for the production of glassware. There are tours of the mine that offers visitors a chance to see the old workings of the mine including ore chutes and the shifter's office.

Access Points

The Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is situated in the rugged hills to the south of Antioch and east of Clayton. Hiking trails from Clayton connect to the trails within the preserve. From Antioch, visitors can reach the preserve from Somersville Road and from the roads in Contra Loma Regional Park. The preserve can also be reached from Frederickson Lane.

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Resources

Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve near Antioch California.